MSC Cruises Teams with Technogym in Wellness Experience Program

MSC Cruises, Geneva, Switzerland, is partnering with Technogym, Cesena, Italy, to offer a wellness program on its cruises beginning in April 2017.

The Wellness Experience is part of MSC Cruises' expansion of its branded inclusive experiences that offer guests the ability to customize their vacation based on personal preferences, according to a press release from MSC Cruises. The cruise line worked with Technogym for more than a year on the program, which will be one of five inclusive experiences offered.

"For more than 20 years we have been promoting the concept of wellness as a lifestyle made of regular physical exercise, a healthy diet and a positive mental attitude," Technogym President and CEO Nerio Alessandri said in a statement. "Today, wellness represents a global consumer trend that can impact on people's life and health. This is why we are proud to partner with MSC Cruises to develop and deliver a unique and completely new wellness experience."

The cost for the inaugural cruise featuring the Wellness Experience on the MSC Seaside starts at $929 per person. Prices for the rest of MSC's fleet will be available when booking opens for summer 2017 sailings in the coming weeks, the company said.

"The global wellness travel segment is projected to grow by nearly 10 percent annually over the next five years as consumers are increasingly seeking out ways to combine being active and healthy with their vacation," MSC Cruises CEO Gianni Onorato said in a statement. "This new experience, which is designed in a way that is exclusive to our guests, further demonstrates our commitment to innovation – also by partnering with best-in-class experts in their own field – and to creating unforgettable memories onboard our ships."

Guests begin the Wellness Experience by filling out a pre-cruise questionnaire, which is used in an onboarding process and a one-on-one consultation with a MSC master trainer trained by Technogym. Along with a body scale analyzer, the trainer helps the guest establish wellness objectives and establish a program to reach those objectives. Guests also receive a medical checkup that includes blood pressure test, electrocardiogram and a lipid panel from the onboard MSC doctor.

The guest's cruise is then customized with gym classes, shore excursions, and healthy food options specific to the guest's goals and needs. Guests gain access to a MSC Cruises-only version of Technogym's mywellness app, where daily movement targets are assigned and tracked. The fitness classes in the Wellness Experience are developed by Technogym and designed around Technogym's ARKE equipment. Other classes offered include Bella Barre, Hula Fit, tai chi, Pilates and yoga, and scheduling for the classes can be tracked through the app.

Shore activities for the Wellness Experience are designed to complement the onboard fitness programs. Some of the excursions include jogging around Ancient Olympia; a bike tour of Copenhagen; hiking Mount Floyen in Norway; a triathlon in Cozumel, Mexico; and beach training in Rio de Janerio.

The nutrition aspect of the Wellness Experience, including the menu, was developed in partnership with Technogym. The ship's buffet will feature a dedicated wellness corner, the main menu will highlight healthy options and the breakfast room service will offer a wellness menu. Participants in the Wellness Experience will have access to a wellness-themed mini bar inside their guest room and a fitness-themed television channel with videos created by Technogym.